The Hindu yoga science of breathing

The Hindu Science of Breath

Man in his normal state had no need of
instruction in breathing. Like the lower animal
and the child, he breathed naturally and
properly, as nature intended him to do, but
civilization has changed him in this and other
respects. He has contracted improper methods and
attitudes of walking, standing and sitting, which
have robbed him of his birthright of natural and
correct breathing. He has paid a high price for
civilization. The savage, to-day, breathes
naturally, unless he has been contaminated by the
habits of civilized man. The percentage of
civilized men who breathe correctly is quite
small, and the result is shown in contracted
chests and stooping shoulders, and the terrible
increase in diseases of the respiratory organs,
including that dread monster, Consumption, "the
white scourge." Eminent authorities have stated
that one generation of correct breathers would
regenerate the race, and disease would be so rare
as to be looked upon as a curiosity.